Review: Cadex AR Handlebar Tape
There is an open debate whether handlebar tape should extend from the shifters to very near the stem. With carbon cockpits creeping further into cyclist’s builds, less tape is requested on the tops of handlebars. Bar tape is one of those accessories that is thought about at the time of service, forgotten about, and then worshipped if a situation is averted due to a rider’s ability to remain in contact with the bike. We wrapped our new Shimano Vibe bars with Cadex AR handlebar tape and put the grip factor to the test.
The trusty road steed in the service course recently received an upgrade. Don’t think of it as a pursuit of speed; think more along the lines of having sweated through the aluminum version. With new bars came the task of identifying bar wrap that would match the rest of the bike’s status. Cadex AR bar tape was the suitable response.
Given the broad stature of the tops of carbon bars, there has been a small debate as to whether handlebar tape should cover it up. It’s possible the debate revolves around the encouragement to prop the hands on the bar tops, an area that suddenly feels off limits with aero carbon bars. Then there’s the realization that avoiding taping the bars now means an entire roll of tape is available for the next service visit. For this experience, the tape was finished just above the shifters, though next time the wrap will extend farther toward the stem.
Cadex AR handlebar tape is made from lightweight high-density foam that provides superior grip. The shock absorption contrasts the slim nature of the premiere bar warp.
That leaves the drops taped. When taking efforts at that position, the Cadex AR handlebar tape felt smooth. The grip was enhanced by the non-slip compound surface. Cadex claims the wrap is extra thick, though it didn’t feel as thick as cork wrap. Yet the tape performed as if it were thicker as it absorbed the vibration of the road. Whether a rider is in the drops or propped up on the bar tops, Cadex has the bases covered.
There have been too many times where the road has turned bouncy. Fewer, still, are the times where we happened to be going for the water bottle while on those bouncy roads. Those times have called for sticky bar tape to maintain control with whatever part of the hand or hands is connected to the bike. Cadex AR bar tape has performed in these odd circumstances before, and we’ve ridden out of the situation.
One of two areas might be in Cadex’s interest to rectify: the price and the length. For $50 (US) the Cadex AR bar tape is atop the list in expensive handlebar wrap. The second notion is the length provided. For $50, the tape roll should be longer, even if it’s only slightly. This allows the wrap to be used more freely across all bar widths. This is premium bar wrap, but it is quite expensive.
Our test of the Cadex AR handlebar tape found extreme stickiness and comfort in a wrap that’s at the top of the price chart. Given that bar tape is one of the least expensive accessories, yet it connects the rider to the most expensive bikes, perhaps the splurge is worth it in all of the avoided crashes where hands slip off the bar. With the Cadex AR bar wrap, there has been more than one occasion where a bucking bike has been held on to. That makes the price worth it.
